NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
For a moment, it looked like Orlando Magic star Desmond Bane was playing volleyball during the team’s 127-112 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.
Bane was alone as he tried to defend a fast break from Onyeka Okongwu as the Hawks led 79-65 in the third quarter.
Okongwu went for a layup, but Bane refused to give up the easy bucket, so he fouled him and pulled him to the floor. As Okongwu fell to the ground, the ball floated in the air and Bane sent it over Okongwu’s head like a volleyball player executing a spike.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane leaves the court after being ejected during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta on November 4, 2025. (Colin Hubbard/AP Photo)
After a replay review, Bane was ejected from the game after being assessed both a technical foul and a flagrant foul for his transgression. The 27-year-old said he did not intentionally target Okongwu with the ball.
“Serious foul. I mean, we talk about it — no easy baskets,” Bane said after the game, according to the New York Post. “Nothing on the rim. Make them see the lights (on the ceiling) and the hard fouls.
CELTICS’ JAYLEN BROWN CLICKS NBA OFFICIALS AFTER APPARENT MISSED CALL IN LOSS TO JAZZ: ‘COSTS US THE GAME’
Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) fouls Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on November 4, 2025. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)
“I hit the ball and he hit it. And they called it like they did.”
Bane had nine points, three rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes before being ejected. He is in his sixth season in the NBA and first with the Magic after being traded from the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason.
Onyeka Okongwu (17) of the Atlanta Hawks draws a foul from Desmond Bane (3) of the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on November 4, 2025. After an official review, Bane was charged with a technical foul and ejected after snapping the ball to Okongwu while he was lying on the floor. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Magic dropped to 3-5 with the loss and will look to bounce back against the Boston Celtics (3-5) on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
